Turning air into water: The essential parts of air-to-water technology

Chile’s Atacama Desert is often called the driest place on Earth. Yet even here, estimates suggest that fog and dew can generate 200 ml of water per square metre. In other regions, the atmosphere holds even more humidity, highlighting the promising possibilities of atmospheric water generation. 

Worldwide, our atmosphere is estimated to contain 12,900 cubic kilometres of water. Research indicates that these levels will continue to increase by 27% over the next 50 years.

By harnessing the atmosphere’s humidity with air-to-water technology, we can tap into a vast, renewable source of water. To do so requires cooling air so that it condenses into water — think of the dew found on grass or leaves in the morning. 

But how do we recreate this process at scale to produce pure, premium drinking water?

Here, we provide a simple overview of the essential components of air-to-water systems, and how they work together efficiently to extract, purify and deliver fresh water from air. 

Key components of air-to-water systems:

Air intake system

The first point of contact between the environment and our air-to-water generators, the air intake system uses fans to draw ambient air into the system, with filtration to clean the air. This ensures that any impurities are removed, allowing only clean air to continue through the process.

Cooling coils

The air then passes over cooling coils, one of the most important components of air-to-water technology. These coils cool the incoming air to a temperature below its dew point. This condenses the moisture in the air into liquid form, accumulating over time. For example, our A1R100 machines can generate 100 litres of fresh water per day this way. The cooling is facilitated by a vapour-compression refrigeration system (VCRS), which includes key components like a compressor, condenser, expansion device and evaporator. 

Water collection and storage systems

Once the water is condensed, it is directed into water collection and storage systems. This consists of channels or pipes that transport the water to a storage tank. Our no-touch storage tanks are fully sealed and made from materials that prevent contamination, ensuring that the water remains safe and clean until it is ready for use. 

Water filters and purification

As the water continues through the system, it passes through multi-stage water purification filters, ensuring our water meets international drinking water standards, such as the World Health Organization, GSO 149/2014, TÜV Rheinland, CE/CB, ECAS and Dubai Municipality. This purification system uses food-grade filters to remove particulates, activated carbon filters to eliminate chemicals and organic compounds and UV/UVC light sterilisation to ensure the water is of the highest quality.

The water also passes through mineral filters, mimicking the natural mineralisation process where rainwater absorbs minerals as it flows over rocks and through soil. 

The result? Pure drinking water with a pH of 7.3 and natural minerals for enhanced taste. 

Control systems

Control systems monitor environmental conditions and optimise performance. Our sensors measure humidity, temperature and water levels, allowing for automated adjustments to maximise water production and efficiency. Sophisticated sensors in our storage tanks also automate the recirculation of our water, ensuring it passes through multi-stage filtration regularly before it is dispensed. 

Control systems also highlight important data on the amount of water produced and alerts about the system’s status in real-time, providing clarity and peace of mind. 

The promise of air-to-water technology

Air-to-water technology represents a promising response to the global water crisis, offering a decentralised solution to produce water from the air around us. The components outlined here represent just a few examples of the engineering and innovation that make this possible. 

If you have questions about our air-to-water systems — or want to learn how you can put this technology to work for your organisation — please reach out and a member of our team will be in touch.